Magic Valley Public to Get Chance to Comment on Sage Grouse Plans

TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KLIX) After federal officials revealed new plans to protect sage grouse in the west, southern Idaho land managers will be seeking comment from the public in November. The Bureau of Land Management announced public hearings will be held in three locations in southern Idaho, including Twin Falls. Earlier this month the Department of the Interior says it was going to reconsider land use policies in 10 western states concerning the chicken size bird. The BLM says the goal is to improve communication between local groups and the federal government on the sage grouse issue. In an Associated Press report Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter this week criticized some working on the new plan because they had been involved in previous efforts under the Obama Administration.

“Idaho has a large proportion of the country’s sage-steppe rangeland,” said Tim Murphy, BLM’s Idaho State Director said in a prepared statement. “These public meetings will give Idahoans an opportunity to personally share their insights and concerns with the BLM over greater sage-grouse-related land management issues that could warrant changes.”

If you cannot make the meetings, the BLM will also take written statements by emial: BLM_sagegrouseplanning@blm.gov, or by going to this website. The public meetings will be held at the following places according to BLM: